Texas House honors Chris Kyle

After passing a resolution in memory of former U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, slain earlier this month at a North Texas gun range, the Texas House adjourned Thursday in his honor.

Former U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, who was killed Feb. 2. Photo: AP

Kyle’s wife, Taya, stood on the dais with others and dabbed tears as Rep. Jim Pitts, R-Waxahachie, spoke about her husband. Author of the best-seller “American Sniper,” Kyle, 38, was an American hero and the most successful sniper in U.S. history, Pitts said.

“His legacy will be one of selflessness, dedication and honor, and it will not be forgotten,” Pitts said. “People all over the US, and even throughout the world, continue to mourn the loss of a man who chose life, whose life was ended all too soon. In a perfect world, we would not be here today, but our world is not a perfect world.”

Kyle was shot and killed at the shooting range at Rough Creek Lodge in Glen Rose while he and friend Chad Littlefield reportedly were teaching Eddie Ray Routh, a military comrade, sniper shooting technique to help him cope with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Officials in Erath County later arrested Routh, 25, who remains held on one count of capital murder in connection with the deaths of Littlefield and Kyle. On Tuesday, Routh’s mother, Jodi, released a statement through her lawyer.

“No words can truly express the sorrow we feel for the Kyles and Littlefields, their extended family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you all,” the statement read.